CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87 After Long Illness

The world has said goodbye to one of the biggest names in media history. Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and the man who changed television news forever, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. He died after battling Lewy body dementia for a long time.

Ted Turner was known for his bold ideas and fearless personality. Many people called him “The Mouth of the South” and “Captain Outrageous” because he was never afraid to speak his mind. Over the years, he became one of the most influential figures in the media world.

In 1980, Turner launched CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news channel. At that time, many people thought nonstop news would never work. But Turner believed people wanted news anytime, day or night. His idea changed television forever, and CNN later became famous worldwide, especially during the Gulf War.

Turner was not only successful in media. He was also passionate about sports and sailing. In 1977, he won the famous America’s Cup sailing competition, proving himself as a skilled yachtsman. He also owned major sports teams like the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. Under his ownership, the Braves won the World Series in 1995.

His personal life also remained in the spotlight for many years. Ted Turner had five children from his first two marriages. He was later married to actress Jane Fonda, though they did not have children together.

Following his death, many important figures paid tribute to him. Donald Trump called Turner “one of the greats of broadcast history” and remembered him as a friend.

At the time of his death, Ted Turner’s net worth was estimated between $2.2 billion and $2.8 billion. But beyond money, many people will remember him as the man who changed global news and built one of the most powerful media brands in history.